PROJECT 0.05

MODELED AFTER NATURE

Hans Christian-Smolik has been at it again! Over the past months has spent innumerable hours in his workshop in order to present his new project at EuroBike. The name of the model project: `Project 0.05' People will ask themselves... why project 0.05?

The majority of the inventions and the developments which mankind has brought out originated in nature... examples of purity and perfection in their structure and functionality. From this viewpoint a new science was developed, which looks to natural biology to help design modern structures.

Inspiration for the Project 0.05 is the raindrop that with an air drag coefficient of 0.05 is the ‘ideal’ for bionic development. Modern aircraft wings conversely have an air drag coefficient of around 0.08.

While the last two projects were based on a modified F10 production frame, the new one has a fully handmade carbon frame at the heart of the prototype. Although aerodynamics were the priority in the frames design, Smolik has consciously not strayed from within the restrictions of the UCI regulations.

The basic idea that he started from was that of a raindrop profile, which owing to its form has 2 to 4 times less wind resistance than a comparable round tube. However, in practice one can only exploit these advantages within limits. While the droplet profile can enjoy its advantages perfectly when the air flow is from the optimal direction, when the air flow is unfavorable then it can act as a brake. What is actually more important than the frame profile is that so many elements as possible are out of the air flow.

Through the upwards track of the chainstays and seatstays that meet the seat tube 25cm below the top tube junction the front profile of the rear triangle has been reduce enormously. The low headtube also offers the least resistance to the wind. In order to achieve this without straying from the 1 1/8 headset standard, Smolik built bearings with an outside diameter of only 38mm.

While the use of carbon in frame building allows a lot of freedom regarding the profiling, most of the development in the construction of an aero bicycle lies in the components. To achieve the optimum here, Smolik went in a completely new direction and ignored convention, just like he has previously when he presented the first bike with two full hydraulic disc brakes.

Brake assembly on the inside of the fork legs and carbon faring on the chain rings

The rear brakes are integrated into the chain stays and the bars feature an integrated drinking system

A hydraulic brake system also takes care of the deceleration of the present Project Bike. On first glance it is barely noticeable, but upon closer inspection you realize that the cylinders of the brakes are inside the fork blades and the chainstays.

The rider though only sees the custom made Smolik carbon fibre brake levers. These activate the piston to push the brake block against the rim and against the other brake pad on the opposite side. Smolik consciously decided to use a brake without a slave piston, as to do so a further brake line would have been necessary.

The alternative is possible as the current crop of wheels allow a few millimeters deflection without comfort being compromised. It also meant that the weight of the brake could be reduced to 60 grams. The brakes themselves aren’t only practically invisible on the Canyon prototype, so too are their brake lines as well as the gear cables. Together they make the passage to the top tube, disappear into the frame and emerge directly back into daylight at the modified derailleur. The derailleur’s modified angles mean that the typical arc which the cable outer takes is not required. The front derailleur mounting is also hidden behind a cover to allow better aerodynamics.

To minimize the drag of the chainrings as much as possible, a normal Campagnolo production crankset has had a carbon fairing added.

Looking historically at the time trial, Greg Lemond had a new secret weapon in part to thank for his 1986 Tour de France victory – an aero handle bar (tri bars). These aero handlebars exist today in countless variations, so it would have been easy to simply equip the bike with one of these without further effort. However as Smolik was not satisfied with this mature technology, he began a further project, which may well prove to be trend setting. With the integration of the handle bar and hydration system into a single unit he has solved two problems, which were often up till now only given a small amount of attention, simultaneously.

Most ordinary bidon style systems, even those which are mounted on the handle bar, are not constructed from an aerodynamic point of view. The rider must also sit up to reach a frame mounted bottle and in doing so leaves the time trial position. Smolik therefore constructed an integrated bar / stem combo which weighs precisely 250g.

Most ordinary bidon style systems, even those which are mounted on the handle bar, are not constructed from an aerodynamic point of view. The rider must also sit up to reach a frame mounted bottle and in doing so leaves the time trial position. Smolik therefore constructed an integrated bar / stem combo which weighs precisely 250g.

Project 0.05 shows once again that at Canyon, traditional thinking will be ignored in order to drive forward development of modern Road and Mountain bikes. These are new break throughs that every Canyon rider can enjoy on their bike.

Hans-Christian Smolik bolsters his reputation of the “biggest brain in cycling” within the bike world with his “Project 0.05”. Over the years he has made innumerable developments and inventions... and the courage for going in a new direction. This new direction is the Project 0.05!